Murray State University Department of Music alum, faculty and students perform in Paducah Symphony Orchestra’s season opening concert

By Dr. Carrie Jerrell | Oct 21, 2026

MURRAY, Ky. — The Murray State University Department of Music was proudly represented during the Paducah Symphony Orchestra’s season opening concert last month. The performance highlighted the strong partnership between Murray State and the region’s premier professional orchestra, with participation by alum, faculty members and current students.

The first portion of the Sept. 19 program, under the direction of guest conductor Samuel Hollister, included Gioachino Rossini's Overture to La Gazza Ladra, Christopher Lowry's A Cypress Prelude and Johannes Brahms' Alto Rhapsody. After the intermission, the orchestra performed Symphony No. 4 in F Minor by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

The featured soloist for the evening was mezzo soprano Audrianna Hughes (‘22), a Paducah native and alumna of the Murray State Department of Music.

“It was a dream come true to stand on the stage that I’ve known for years growing up in Paducah,” said Hughes. “I have memories singing on that very stage while in high school and with Murray State’s Concert Choir. I remember singing on stage behind the orchestra, soaking up the energy from those around me, savoring in the sharing of musical hearts, but to stand front and center of the stage so close to the audience was an energy I’ve never felt before, especially from such a warm audience. I had family, friends, church members, teachers, my hometown community, colleagues and mentors that surrounded me and supported me with so much love as I got to perform the beautiful Brahms Alto Rhapsody with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra.” 

Hughes also holds a Master’s of Music in vocal performance from the University of Kentucky. Among her awards are the Pre-Professional Mezzo-Soprano Prize sponsored by Hilda Harris at the 2025 George Shirley Vocal Competition, and an Encouragement Award at the 2025 Kentucky District Metropolitan Laffont Competition. She has made appearances worldwide performing with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera, as well as in Nantes, France with the American Spiritual Ensemble, among others.

Before all of that, however, Hughes was a Murray State Racer, and she’s quick to add that it was the Department of Music that provided the foundation for her continued success.

“Since I’ve graduated from Murray State, there has been no style of music that seems foreign to me,” Hughes said. “I was so lucky to have been a part of a music department where all types of music were celebrated and to be provided with the knowledge of how to fully execute many styles and genres to the best of my ability.”

Hughes added, “It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you have people on your side who want to see you succeed and vice versa. Being on the same stage with faculty and current students is a full circle moment. I remember having the opportunity to see faculty members in the orchestra while Murray State alums performed solos, and now I had the opportunity to live that exact experience. There’s an overall sense of Racer pride and comfort knowing that the quality of artistry being presented is being shared.”

One of those current students was Caleb Williams, a freshman music education major from Jackson, Tennessee, and a member of the tenor and bass sections of the Murray State Concert Choir that also performed in the concert.

“I really enjoyed working on the Brahms Alto Rhapsody piece,” said Williams. “Audri stopped by one of our rehearsals the week of the performance so we could hear the full piece with her part included, and she allowed us to ask questions. It truly was a beautiful display of her talent and passion for her craft.”

Other Concert Choir members who performed include Logan Drew, a sophomore music education major from Marion, Illinois; Jaiden Harner, a freshman music education major from Princeton, Indiana; Kyler Hawkins, a junior music business major from Dawson Springs, Kentucky; Landon Hinz, a freshman music education major from Paducah, Kentucky; Tyrone Hopson, a junior music education major from Earlington, Kentucky; Lucas Jones, a sophomore musical theatre major from Milan, Tennessee; AJ Koerner, a sophomore music education major from Murray, Kentucky; Jessie Leal, a senior musical theatre major from Madisonville, Kentucky; Kip Lewis, a freshman music education major from White House, Tennessee; Eli Pavy, a sophomore engineering/physics major from Malden, Missouri; Alex Prather, a sophomore music performance major from Hickory, Kentucky; Charlie Taylor, a freshman musical theatre major from Madisonville, Kentucky; Elijah Taylor, a senior music major from Murray, Kentucky;  Maxwell Tolar, a junior political science/legal studies major from Paducah, Kentucky; and Nova Witzenman, a junior music major from Murray, Kentucky.

Murray State was represented among the instrumental musicians performing as well, including Lydia Sahawneh, a senior music major and another Paducah native whose path to the position as a substitute violinist with the symphony began in the spring 2026 semester, when Dr. Ashley Cumming, associate professor of horn, arranged a master class at Murray State for music students. The visiting conductor was so impressed by Sahawneh’s performance that he requested her contact details for future opportunities to perform with the orchestra.

“The master class was a great opportunity to get my foot in the door,” Sahawneh said. “Getting the conductor’s approval was both thrilling and humbling. It was exciting to be recognized for my musicianship and to realize that I had been given the opportunity to play with a professional orchestra. I’m especially grateful to the Murray State faculty members who encouraged me to participate.”

Like Hughes, Sahawneh grew up attending Paducah Symphony concerts and dreamed of seeing her name in the list of performers and musicians in the program. That dream came true on opening night. Sahawneh noted that playing alongside mentors and peers added to the significance of the evening.

“Getting to perform alongside Murray State faculty members and others who have mentored me throughout the years, as well as my peers from Murray State, made the experience truly special,” Sahawneh said. “Being in a professional setting where I can learn from and perform alongside musicians who are much more experienced than I am has challenged me to keep pushing myself and growing as a musician.”

Other instrumental musicians from Murray State included faculty members from the Department of Music: Dr. Ashley Cumming, professor of horn, and Dr. Chris Sharpe, assistant professor of trombone.

Hughes said she hopes experiences like these encourage students interested in careers in music to pursue their passions.

“If you love to make music, do so! There’s nothing more rewarding than doing what you love every single day,” Hughes said. “This craft is very special and has the ability to connect us all. The little black dots on the sheets of music were meant to be lifted off and filled with life. There’s always a first timer of some sort in the audience, and you have the ability to introduce a once-in-a-lifetime, human experience with them. That’s very special.”

For more information on the Department of Music, visit murraystate.edu/music. Learn more about Audrianna Hughes at her website: audriannahughes.com. Visit Paducah Symphony’s Instagram account @paducahsymphony to view interviews with Hughes and other guest musicians, and paducahsymphony.org to learn more about its full season of programming.